A Noted Decrease in the Average Age

[ixis]

Ixis Naugus looks particularly perplexed today, after having hung about and observed the usual Nexus traffic. And he's noticed something UNusual about it.

"I understand I may be biased due to my age but...are there more children around here than normal?"

Comments

[westfallcorndog]

"We're not really children. We're adults. We've just got young bodies."

Well who's this sassy little snip in the red plaid? Who knows! All that matters is that she seems at once offended by Naugus' appearance and, for some reason, willing to speak to him.

[ixis]

Oh, what a withering look that is given down (ah, how long it's been since he's been the proper height compared to others! Maybe he should be thankful for this) at the little guttersnipe.

"What an idiotic sentiment. Who told you that? Your mother? She was just trying to make you feel better about being so small and foolish. Don't listen to her lies. There's a clear difference between someone as old and wise as myself and, well, you."

[westfallcorndog]

Anna gasps in offense! She puts her hands on her hips and sneers at Naugus.

"Excuse you! Nasty, rude old ogre! If you were really wise then you'd know how wrong you were! And you wouldn't have had to ask your dumb question in the first place. You don't have all the answers, so don't act like you do!"

She points an accusatory finger at Naugus then and keeps on running her opinionated mouth. "And don't you call my mother a liar! I'll get my brother here and he'll kick your ass!"

[ixis]

"Language, child. I never said I had all the answers, did I? For instance, I'm wondering why all these children and teenagers are running amok without supervision. Certainly that's a cause for alarm. Or at least wondering what changed in who portals are snapping up these days."

He completely ignores the threat about brothers and their ass-kicking because c'mon, kid.

[conjuredskies]

"Half the people I know have been cursed into children." Felix slumps against the back of a chair and looks plaintively at Naugus. "I was hoping your vast knowledge could offer some solution..."

NAUGUS HELP.

[smartass_captain]

"You get tired like way too fast, you know that right?" Pipes up the small blond haired boy sitting on the back of the chair staring down at Felix. And then turning to Naugus.

"Whoa! It's Naugus! Wow you're not short anymore. I like your cape." :D

Seriously did someone give this child sugar.

[ixis]

"Hhhhhhave we met? Or does my reputation precede me?" That'd be a much better explanation. Although he does have to defend himself slightly in regards to his height, adding, "I'll have you know I'm actually incredibly tall for a Mobian. The average height back home was around three feet. Consider that."

Turning to Felix now, Naugus cants his head to on side, scratching curiously at one ear. "Curse, you say? Do you know the source of it? Or is this just...one of those Nexus things."

[icebearforpresident]

"Ixis."

[Hey, there's a familiar face who isn't de-aged, as Ice Bear stumbles over to the mage. However, it's very clear that something is amiss. He's lacking his usual energy (or what little he usually shows) and seems to be dragging his paws against the Nexus floor slowly.]

"Ice Bear notices the difference. Had an idea, but..." [He shakes his head in defeat.] "Ice Bear couldn't stop it from happening. Ice Bear has failed the Nexus."

[ixis]

"Failed how? I should think a few brats running about shouldn't be that dire of situation, should it? I mean, yes, that could certainly be a problem if we're expected to watch after them, but overall..."

He tilts his head at the lack of pep the bear is exhibiting. "Have the youth been running your ragged?"

[icebearforpresident]

"Not the kids. Someone else. Ice Bear couldn't kill them. Ice Bear..."

[He's staring at his paws in a confused manner. Blink, blink. Oh, did you say something, Ixis? He might not have been paying attention.]

"Maybe? Ice Bear doesn't know."

[shardofwinter]

The last time Reynard and Naugus talked, the latter was throwing fireballs at the Winter spirit. Reynard is not particularly fond of having fire thrown at him, but there's something he hates more.

"Spring," Reynard declares with a wrinkling of his nose and a short noise of disdain. Casting another glance around, he starts to see what Naugus is talking about. He folds his arms and leans on one leg, looking out thoughtfully. "I'm... caught between wondering if I should herd them to their parents or teach them how to drink."

[ixis]

And Naugus was ground to dust in a very literal sense by the spirit, so maybe they're a bit even here. (Even though the mage may very well consider himself the victor still since he recovered and got the parting shot in.)

"What does spring have to do with children? Oh, you're thinking in the sense of it being birth and renewal and all that, correct? I have yet to see any actual infants, so there's that. I wouldn't know where to start with that. And I'm always an advocate of hands-off parenting. Outside of social graces and respect for elders, let them go about their business and learn their limits and what they should and shouldn't meddle with. Like fire, for instance."

[shardofwinter]

The fire comment has Reynard shooting Naugus a narrow-eyed glare. He doesn't let the silence sit for long, of course. Running a thumb across his beard, he folds his arms and shifts his weight, exuding a stupidly casual air.

"What a wasted opportunity. You're thinking too small." He makes a small sound of realisation, leans closer and quickly adds, "But don't worry, you mortals never were good at planning or... Well." A small chuckle. "Thinking at all. So I won't hold it against you."

[rogueinladysclothing]

Despite the fact that a certain small rogue doesn't recognize him, Naugus can be certain he knows her. The trademark dark silver hair pin gives that away - and the attitude will probably confirm it. She's also updated her look to get out of clothes that don't fit anymore, but all the usual weapons Amelia carries are hanging from her belt.

"I am not a child. Where I'm from, thirteen is more than old enough to be considered an adult, given what I spend my time doing for my family."

Stubborn? Petulant? Already distrustful of him? That most certainly sounds like Amelia!

"...there are an awful lot of children running around, though. I find it hard to believe there's not an equally large number of parents running after them, but that seems to be a common thing here." It's actually really disconcerting, but there seems very little a single person could do about it.

[ixis]

He at first looks annoyed at the girl's petulant tone, but his eyes are caught near-immediately by the silver pin. Ahah. Identification confirmed. But that doesn't mean he's not going to address her thoughts.

"The only people who think thirteen isn't a childish age are thirteen year-olds. I promise you, you'll grow up in short order, look back at these words and feel nothing but embarrassment. Thirteen is barely even beginning to live! Also, you're not old enough to marry, imbibe alcohol or own property. I'm quite certain your brains are still cooking and your entire body is boiling in hormones in preparation for being a proper adult." He almost said 'person', but let's not be THAT cruel.

"Have you been keeping an eye on those younger than you at least?"

[rogueinladysclothing]

"I don't see any reason why I shouldn't be considered an adult when I work one of my family's shop as the sole proprietor under my father. Or when I take on extra responsibilities outside of the shop without the direction of anyone but myself in order to better support my family." Careful Amelia or you'll have to answer some very interesting questions about your late night extra-curricular activities.

One eyebrow raises slowly as she looks at him. "But why should I be embarrassed by my words at some later date when they're true? Even if I'm not fully grown, that doesn't make me any less of an adult than someone who is full grown but doesn't act like it." If it seems like she's given this some thought before, it's because she has. Someone who's decided to live their life on the line between what is and isn't acceptable in society has a lot to think about, after all.

She nods in answer to his last question. "Of course. I've helped some on their way and done my best to help others figure out why they're here." Her lips draw into a thin line and she crosses her arms in front of her chest. "Many seem to be of an age where they can take care of themselves with only a little help, but there are others who need more help than another younger person could offer." What? Amelia may be the eldest of four, but she's not the Nexus' personal babysitter.

[handcock]

"Children are bad for business," Hancock gruffly says, as he is also taking notice of all of the kids running around. And for a man of unsavory morals, having to sell chems and weapons to kids ain't exactly his style.

With a crease of his brow he hmphs. "So what the hell happened to all of the adults?"

[ixis]

"It would seem we're in the throes of a curse. Again. The Nexus seems to facilitate these from time to time. And the flavour of the month is causing adults to turn into children. How irritating. The young aren't my strong suite; people tell me I don't talk to them as you're meant to. But why bother dressing things up in lies and sugar? Just be plain with the brats!"

A moment's pause as he looks Hancock up and down.

"Is your face always like that?"

no idea how this ended up in my spam box

[handcock]

"Curses, eh?" Hancock sighs, at least there could have been a decent curse, one that doesn't hamper his business. He lowers his head, hands going into his pocket and he then glares at the trollish looking fellah.

And he gives him a dirty look.

"What? Is there something wrong with the way I look? Because I don't think you have room to talk."

[foreverfritz]

"You're right. It's because you're old."

Fritz was so helpful, playing with his foster brother's phone.

"I'm supposed to be this age, though. Dunno about the others."

[ixis]

"You say that as if there's something wrong with being old! It just means I'm that much more intelligent and experienced than you." He's really gonna argue this way with a kid. What a mature man.

"I don't suppose you know anything about these rumours of a curse, do you? Here's your chance to prove yourself more useful than your peers."

[foreverfritz]

"It also means climbing stairs is going to be an increasing challenge with every passing day."

Fritz paused and shook his head.

"Nope. But, if none of the kids are actually hurt, it's probably someone's idea of a joke, right?"

[rumormonger_nya]

"Hey dyon't argue over a free meal or several." Nekomata seems more than content with the increased number of kids running around the Nexus.

If she can just lure one of them out of the nexus and through a portal she'd be eating well for the next week easy.

Sadly, shaking a bag of catnip in front of them doesn't seem to be working. Heathens.

[ixis]

"...Don't eat children. We're not savages, my dear." He seems stern about that. Come on, that's the kind of rumours he tries to shake! What are the odds there were tall tales like that circulating amongst younger subjects during his time of service under King Frederick? Probably a solid 70%.

[rumormonger_nya]

"Food is food, Naugus." There's an easy shrug and roll of her shoulders at the remark. Being called a savage certainly isn't the worst thing ever said about her. And it's not like it's not true.

"Though they reek of chyarm magic, so. Might not be a safe meal.'